Video Game Technician: Education and Job Training Requirements for Becoming a Video Game Technician

Advancements in digital media and interactive entertainment have made video game technicians a popular career option in a growing mechanical field. Individuals interested in this career must enjoy working with computers and be mechanically savvy. A significant amount of hands on work is required to gain the knowledge and skills needed for success as a video game technician.

Video game technicians repair and provide routine maintenance for video game consoles, arcade games and pinball machines. Video game technicians generally work in video game retail stores, arcades or repair centers. They also set up video game and arcade equipment, order equipment parts and test equipment for compliance with technical specifications. Becoming a video game technician can launch other careers in the video game industry or digital arts industry. Some video game technicians can advance their careers by becoming arcade managers. With additional education, technicians can become video game developers.

Education Required to Become a Video Game Technician

Knowledge of popular video game systems such as Nintendo Wii, Sony Playstation 3 and Microsoft Xbox 360 are essential for a technician's repair and maintenance duties. Being an avid player of the same video game systems he or she is repairing or maintaining gives video game technicians insight into technical issues and common problems with the consoles and machines. Video game technicians must have basic mechanical skills, and completion of a high school diploma is necessary. Although a college degree is not needed to become a video game technician, a degree or certification from a technical school is highly recommended.

Job Training and Certification Required to Become a Video Game Technician

On-the-job training is common for video game technicians. Many technicians gain the knowledge needed for a career in video games through apprenticeships or entry-level job opportunities such as game room assistants. Some computer training may be needed, but no professional certification is required to work as a video game technician.